Explore Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Hybrid and electric vehicles have surged in popularity in recent years as car buyers look for more efficient, environmentally friendly options that also save money at the fuel pump. What exactly are hybrid and electric vehicles and how do they work? Here's a primer on these alternative fuel vehicles from your local experts at Honda of Ames in Ames, IA.
What Are Hybrid and Electric Vehicles?
Hybrid and electric vehicles are two types of vehicles that rely partially or fully on electric power rather than gasoline alone. A hybrid vehicle has both a gas engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a battery pack that is charged through regenerative braking and the gas engine. Hybrids can run on just the gas engine, just the electric motor, or a combination of both.
An electric vehicle (EV), on the other hand, runs entirely on electricity as you drive around Mason City and has no gas engine at all. EVs must be plugged into an electric power source, be it at home in Marshalltown or at a public charging station, to recharge the battery pack. The driving range on a fully charged battery varies by model but is typically 80 to over 300 miles.
Key Components of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Hybrid and electric vehicles have some unique parts compared to traditional gas-powered cars:
- Battery Pack: Stores electricity to power the electric motor. Usually, a lithium-ion battery is charged by regenerative braking and/or plugging in.
- Electric Motor: Propels the vehicle using power from the battery. In a hybrid, the electric motor works with the gas engine.
- Power Electronics Controller: Manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the battery, controlling the speed of the electric motor and the torque it produces.
- Transmission: Transfers mechanical power from the electric motor and/or gas engine to the wheels. EVs typically have a single-speed transmission.
Benefits of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
There are many reasons why car buyers in and around Ankeny are increasingly choosing hybrid and electric vehicles:
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Hybrids and EVs can significantly reduce or eliminate gas usage, resulting in big savings at the pump.
- Lower Emissions: With little or no tailpipe emissions, these vehicles are better for the environment and produce less air pollution.
- High Performance: Electric motors provide quiet, smooth, and fast acceleration. Today's hybrids and EVs are incredibly fun to drive.
- Lower Operating Costs: With fewer moving parts and fluids, hybrids and EVs can be cheaper to maintain and own over time.
- Energy Independence: Driving on domestically-produced electricity rather than petroleum helps reduce reliance on imported oil.
Explore Honda of Ames Extensive Pre-Owned Inventory
If you are ready to bring home a high-quality new-to-you vehicle, visit us at Honda of Ames. Our friendly sales team would be happy to answer your questions and get you behind the wheel for a test drive. Whether you want a gas-powered vehicle, hybrid, or electric vehicle, you never know what you will find at Honda of Ames.
